I was flicking through a magazine one day , when my attention was caught by one of the pages : Staring back at me was a young girl, covering her nose with her hand. The page was advertising a new film called Penelope. I immediately decided that I would like to see this film as it looked like a 'magical , fairytale' kind of movie. Although , as usual , I never actually got round to seeing the film in the cinema , I was eager to borrow the DVD when my friend told me that she owned a copy!
Penelope is a romantic , comedy and fantasy movie released in the United Kingdom on February 1st 2008. This film stars young actress , Christina Ricci as well as a few other well known actors and actresses including Reese Witherspoon and James McAvoy. Running time of this movie is one hundred and four minutes (sixteen minutes under two hours). This movie is classified as a U which means it can be watched by children of all ages (as well as adults of course!)
Rich girl Penelope has it all ; she's rich and lives the lives most young girls could only dream of. Yet , she has a wish ; to look like other girls. Penelope is born with an evil curse cast upon her ; she has a pigs snout and ears. Attempting to break the curse ; her parents try and set her up on a few dates , although sadly her pig-like-face has all the boys running for the hills. But , what is so different when she meets Johnny? Watch Penelope to find out!
If your looking for a fairytale kind of movie then this is your film! This is the kind of bedtime story you were read as a child , however the whole magic of this film makes it appealing even to adults. The whole 'fantasy' of it all , makes you remember back to when you were a kid , and even gets you wishing that real life was as magical as this movie makes out. Kids and adults will love this movie.
I think Penelope sends out a positive message to young girls which is to accept yourself as you are and never tried to change your looks for anyone ; one day you will meet someone who loves you for you.
I thought a great bunch of actors were chosen for this movie. My favourite character was the main character , Penlope as she was so brave. Although the story is fictional , there was some truth in it ; that it doesn't matter what you looked like. I also can't comment enough on how well the actors and actresses played their parts ; there was great chemistry between Christina Ricci and James McAvoy's characters. I had never heard of Christina Ricci before this movie , however I am a sure fan of hers now! Reese Witherspoon also added some great comedy to the film with her funny one liners!
Although I enjoyed this movie , I can't help but feel that the 'middle bits' of the film were slightly 'average' and could've been made more exciting for the viewer as much as the rest of the film . The middle scenes were watchable , just in certain areas I felt I had a 'oh-get-on-with-it' kind of attitude. Although it wasn't enough to put me off the film , it is worth bearing in mind that younger children may not be able to concentrate during particular parts of the movie.Although having said that , the move is simple and easy enough to follow and doesn't require much 'thinking' or 'solving problems' which is good as it makes it a good film to chill out and relax to. I had particularly enjoyed watching the beginning scenes and ends as they were so 'magical' and exciting! This film really got me wishing that 'fairytales' were real!
I would reccommend this movie to all parents with children ; it's perfect for a night in. I really enjoyed this movie and it is the type that I could watch over and over again!
Thanks For Reading! August 17th 2009 xdonzx
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Production Year: 1993 - Family - Director: Tim Burton, Henry Selick - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Ken Page, Pee-Wee Herman, Glenn Shadix, William Hickey, Catherine O'Hara, Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman
Advantages: Charming, funny, romantic, sad, compelling, good cast, great musical scor Disadvantages: None for me, as long as you accept it for what it is.
grafter123 13.06.2008 (29.06.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Penelope (DVD)
Aug 18th, 2009
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